The Modi government is likely to increase the creamy layer limit in OBC reservation from the present 6 lakh to 8 lakh. The Social Justice Ministry has sent a proposal in this regard to the PMO.

The Modi government is likely to increase the creamy layer limit in Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation from the present Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh annual income. The Social Justice Ministry has sent a proposal in this regard to the PMO. Once cleared by the PMO, the proposal could be brought before the cabinet as early as the first week of October. At present, 27 per cent quota in government jobs and educational institutions is given to OBCs, provided the annual income of the family is up to Rs six lakh. Those with higher earnings are referred to as the ‘creamy layer’ and are not eligible for reservation. According to Thawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, the government will review the ‘creamy layer’ criteria for OBCs by the end of this year.

CREAMY LAYER PROPOSAL IN WINTER SESSION

The Govt will table this proposal in the Winter Session of Parliament. The timing of this decision is crucial as it comes months ahead of the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh next year. Also read: Govt to review creamy layer criteria for OBC by year-end: Min

MOVE TO BENEFIT BJP IN POLL-BOUND STATES

If government sources are to be believed, this will boost the BJP’s chances in the five poll-bound states, particularly UP, Punjab and Uttarakhand. In 2015, the OBC Commission had recommended that the OBC creamy layer limit be raised for families with Rs 6 lakh annual income to Rs 15 lakh. Prior to that in 2013, the creamy layer cap for OBCs had been raised from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.